TWO HEARTLESS thieves conned their way into a pensioner s home and stole jewellery including a Royal Marines ring belonging to her husband. The female fraudsters knocked on the 83-year-old woman s front door claiming their car had broken down outside. One

TWO HEARTLESS thieves conned their way into a pensioner's home and stole jewellery including a Royal Marines ring belonging to her husband.

The female fraudsters knocked on the 83-year-old woman's front door claiming their car had broken down outside.

One of the con women said she was pregnant and needed to use the toilet.

When the elderly lady allowed them into her home one thief kept her talking downstairs while her accomplice raided the bedroom.

It was only after the two women were gone that the pensioner realised treasured jewellery items were missing.

Nine pieces of jewellery were taken including bracelets and necklaces; one of the items taken was her husband's ring with a distinctive Royal Marines crest on it.

The burglary took place on Thursday January 22 at around 12.30pm in the Becontree area of Dagenham.

The distraught victim described the two con women as white with local accents, aged 40 - 50 and 23 - 26, the younger thief claimed to be pregnant but was not obviously so.

Police say the elderly lady was left terrified by her ordeal.

Anyone with information about the Royal Marines ring should contact Detective Constable Melanie Bennett on 0208 217 7735.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police would like to remind residents to be extra vigilant when answering the door to strangers.

"If a caller is genuine they will not mind coming back when a friend or relative can be present.

"If a caller is persistent close the door and call the police. When in doubt, keep them out.